Small Business Spotlight
SmithWorx
Inspired by a family legacy and a passion for creating inspiring work environments, Cort Smith took the leap into ownership. Read about the challenges he overcame, the importance of community engagement, and how he stays innovative in a changing market.
Q- What inspired you to start your own business, and how did you turn that inspiration into reality?
A- From a young age I always knew I wanted to own my own business. My Grandfather, who I always admired and respected, started our family insurance business back in the 1950’s and growing up around that inspired my drive and desire for entrepreneurship. In my early 30’s I began working for a Northern Virginia based office interiors firm and knew right away that I had a passion for helping organizations create inspiring work environments that would be the foundation for creative and collaborative ideas. After a decade of learning from some of the best, most creative minds in the workplace design community, and with the trusting support of my family, I made the leap into ownership.
Q- Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a small business owner and how you overcame them?
A- Commercial furniture is primarily a project-based industry. Most organizations will invest tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in furniture assets that will last them up to ten or more years. This means that repeat business from existing customers is often not realized until years down the road. So, one of the biggest challenges is consistently finding that next project to keep revenue coming in to support operations. Of course this is not an uncommon challenge for any small business. Making it through those first few years are the toughest. For me getting engaged with our local business community was crucial to our success. Within a year I became engaged with the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber and through that experience developed lasting relationships with local business owners to build a strong network. Almost ten years (and a global pandemic) later we are stronger, and more engaged with the local business community than ever.
Q- How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences?
A- The workplace design industry has never faced more challenges than after the pandemic. There has been an overwhelming shift in the purpose and functionality of the office as we now balance the needs of flexible work schedules. We have spent the past 4 years connecting with both industry leading design firms and business leaders to understand these challenges. Each organization has its own unique set of challenges as we navigate the needs of the current and future workplace. We take the time to understand an organizations culture and develop a flexible plan that meets the needs today, a year from now, and even 5 to 10 years down the road as the organization evolves.
Q- How do you prioritize building relationships with customers and your local community, and what strategies have you found most effective?
A- The chamber has remained our primary hub for building business relationships throughout the region. In 2023 we really made an effort to get more involved with community charitable organizations . I have recently joined the board for the Sunshine Ballpark Foundation which provides educational & physical development opportunities for disadvantaged, challenged, & able young people through programs & partnerships with law enforcement agencies, schools & community organizations. Groups like SBF provide a solid foundation of outreach for our community and our goal is to be more engaged with like-minded organizations moving forward.
